High Performance Barrier Filtration Systems

High performance barrier filtration systems have been available for the automotive industry for decades, but only within the last fifteen years have they found their way into the aircraft market. These types of systems use high separation efficiency filter media with low pressure drop characteristics. Automotive filter manufacturers have been producing high efficiency media to give the automobile powerplant enthusiast high filtration efficiency with minimal power loss and maximum power retention. This is particularly beneficial with non-normally aspirated engines (turbo or supercharged) where any decrease in pressure drop over an existing air filter system will translate into improved power along with increased protection for expensive components. This technology, when tailored for turboshaft engines in fixed and rotary wing aircraft, offers similar improvements by minimizing performance degradation and increasing the time between engine overhauls (TBO). It can provide aviation operators the opportunity to significantly reduce operating costs and major maintenance tasks. The benefits to the user can be significant with these types of filtration systems, in lieu of traditional inertial separation systems, from several aspects (performance, weight and cost). Recent testing has overcome the mindset of the past, that barrier filters are a maintenance driver. Testing has shown that correctly designed barrier filters offer the potential to reduce maintenance and operating costs. If properly designed and implemented, a barrier filter system will not result in an undue maintenance burden. The cost and time required to service a barrier filter system is significantly less than that associated with an engine or module replacement in the field. The success of an integrated inlet barrier filtration system is tied to the design approach taken, the filtration media, and the overall effective surface area the installation will allow within the constraints of the aircraft inlet system.